Hi,I’m Patrick!

My name is Patrick Gilsenan, and I'm running to be the next Alderman for Chicago's 32nd Ward. I’m an attorney living in Bucktown with experience in finance, law, policy, and community organizing.

I’m running to find practical and progressive solutions for a Chicago that works for everyone. I believe in collaboration and reject the rhetoric that seeks to divide our city. Our leadership should be working to build bridges, not walls; to work together and solve Chicago’s most pressing challenges.

As a millennial who came of age in the Great Recession, I took a strong interest in financial markets and policy, which led to me beginning my career working at financial regulators such as FINRA and investigating white-collar misconduct. I have spent over 10 years of my career working on the law and compliance side of the financial industry, including in private practice at a global law firm and as in-house counsel.

My personal experiences in this ward led me to run for office.

More than a decade ago, after graduating from Loyola, I moved to Bucktown and rented an apartment in a two-flat with a roommate.  I loved that apartment, it was near Holstein Park, not far from the L, and was half a mile away from the new 606. But over time, I watched the multifamily homes on my block disappear, replaced by luxury single-family homes. After years of rising rent, my landlord told us he wouldn't be renewing our lease because the building would be sold to a developer.

I searched for another apartment nearby, but I couldn't afford to stay, and was priced out of the neighborhood...

A law degree and several years later, I was lucky enough to return to Bucktown with my partner as a homeowner. But most people priced out aren’t so lucky.  Ever since, housing across the city has become increasingly unaffordable, and neighbors are too often encouraged to see one another as opponents instead of allies.

This isn't inevitable. It's the result of policy choices, and we can fight back. Along with years of volunteering with the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness and standing up against housing insecurity, I’ve also fought to bring more affordable and accessible housing to our community.

I believe we deserve a city government that's more transparent, more responsive, and more accountable. Aldermen should explain decisions, not hide them. They should listen before acting. They should show up, engage with residents, and make City Hall work for the people it serves.

That means supporting our small businesses, investing in safer streets through both effective policing and evidence-based community programs, improving transit and parks, protecting cyclists and pedestrians, and spending taxpayer dollars responsibly.

This campaign isn't about blaming people. It's about building something better.

A ward where young people can afford to stay. Where seniors can age in place. Where families can put down roots. Where small businesses continue to thrive. And where every resident knows their voice matters.

Over the coming months, I'll use this blog to share more about my vision for the 32nd Ward, the challenges we face, and the practical solutions I believe can move us forward together. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for being part of this campaign.

I hope you'll join me as we work to build a stronger, more affordable, and more united 32nd Ward.